Tent Weights and Weather Policy

In order to protect our Producers and customers during times of unexpected violent weather, the following measures are required to set up at any LVHMC Market.

Tents/Canopies/Umbrellas/Signs

LVHMC Tent Weights and Weather Policy

In order to protect our Producers and customers during times of unexpected violent weather, the following measures are required to set up at any LVHMC Market.

Tents/Canopies/Umbrellas/Signs

Wind blown tents, canopies and umbrellas are the number one cause of injuries and insurance claims at Farmers Markets, but nearly all of this damage can be prevented. We require that every tent, canopy, umbrella, sign used at any LVHMC Market must be attached to an approved weight. All tents, canopies, umbrellas, signs and other forms of stall covers must be sufficiently and safely secured to the ground from the moment the stall cover is erected at the start of the Market day to the moment immediately before it is taken down at the end of the Market. Tents and canopies are considered sufficiently secured with at least 24 pounds per leg and at least 50 pounds for umbrellas. Weights for signs will vary depending on the size of the sign. The Market Manager will make the final decision on the appropriate weight for signs.

Some notes regarding weights:

• Weights should be secured in a manner that does not create its own safety hazard.

• Weights should not cause a tripping hazard

• Weights should be tethered with lines that are clearly visible

• Weights should have soft edges to avoid causing cuts and scrapes

• Weights should be securely attached

• Weights should be on the ground (NOT above people’s heads) If tents, canopies, umbrellas or signs are NOT adequately secured, LVHMC Management will require the Vendor to take them down and sell without them. If these items need to be taken down in the middle of the Market, Vendors are expected to direct customers to a safe place so they will not be injured. If vendor does not comply fines and penalties will occur.

Examples of sufficient and safe weights include:

• Filling an empty paint can with cement and tying this to each corner of the tent with a rope or bungee. It is NOT sufficient to place the can on the feet of the tent.

• Filing containers with sand/cement that can be anchored or secured with a rope or bungee; these include canvas bags or plastic buckets/containers that have a handle through which a rope or bungee can be secured.

• PVC pipe capped and filled with cement must be hung on the inside of canopy poles and secured to the top braces of canopy in a way that it does not collide with customers or create a hazard.

Examples of NOT sufficient or safe weights:

• Gallon water jugs. These are not heavy enough for large gusts of wind.

• Tying tents, canopies or umbrellas to tables, coolers or vehicles. Sandbags that cannot be set upright and securely tied to the tent or canopy should not be used.